Yesterday, Jan 10th we had the absolute honor of welcoming our baby girl, Ella Ruth, into the world! Ella was born safely at home with midwives and was very healthy and strong. However after she was born the placenta was stubbornly in place. The midwifery team did what they could within their scope of practice for a home birth, and once the placenta remained retained for 2 hours, we had to be transferred to the hospital to receive further medical attention. Abbie unfortunately had to be separated from Stephen and Ella for the hospitalization, but they were quick to see her and help.

& Luckily at the hospital they were able to remove the placenta manually in fragments, without a major procedure, and then get a medication rotation in her IV to help contract her uterus and control bleeding. We are so thankful we were able to have our hospital stay be a short one, but this unexpected change to the birth plan resulted in a hospital visit all the same being placed on our US credit card, which is an unexpected burden, especially now being missionaries in another country where the currency we are earning is worth far less than USD. (Hence why this fundraiser is in USD and located in the states, so we can cover these medical costs we have in USD now)

It would mean the world to us if you were able to donate even a small amount to help our family! Thank you for your support and generosity and for helping ease a burden as we adjust to life with a newborn again and welcome sweet Ella into our family. ❤️